In the wake of Pope Francis’ announcement on Dec. 18 concerning blessings for same-sex couples, some national and local bishops, including the Upper Peninsula Diocese, clarify the Church’s stance on same-sex relationships.
In a correspondence between Francis and several conservative cardinals, the Pope suggested blessings could be offered to gay couples under some circumstances if the blessings weren’t confused with the ritual of marriage.
A Vatican document, called Fiducia Supplicans, provides clarification on Francis’ previous statement. It reaffirms that marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman.
The document stresses that these types of blessings must not be tied to any specific Catholic celebration or religious service and should not be conferred at the same time as a civil union ceremony.
While the document indicates that same-sex couples should not be denied blessings, it is ultimately up to the individual pastor or priest.
“For, those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection,” it said.
Some press coverage heralded this new declaration as a step towards acceptance of LGBT+ people in the Church — an idea not all religious leaders agree.
Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, the American Prelate, wrote a letter responding to questions and concerns prompted by the Pope’s statements.
“Fiducia Supplicans in no way calls for a change in the Church’s teaching regarding marriage and sexuality. In fact, it goes to great lengths to insist that, in accord with unchanging doctrine, marriage is a union of one man and one woman in lifelong fidelity and openness to children,” Barron said.
Barron also said the previously mentioned blessings “for those in irregular relationships” do not result in a marriage.
Marquette’s Bishop John F. Doerfler agreed with Barron’s sentiments in a letter of his own.
Doerfler, who faced backlash for his stance that says members of the LGBT+ community may not be baptized or receive other sacraments unless they have “repented,” emphasized the importance of maintaining clarity of what the Church stands for.
“What the document does allow is spontaneous prayers and blessings for people who request them even if they are in an irregular situation,” Doerfler wrote in the letter. “We readily give blessings and pray for people who are seeking help from God, even if they are in an irregular situation. We would never bless or condone sin.”
“In granting such spontaneous blessings, great care is to be taken to avoid scandal, or give the impression of condoning a lifestyle contemporary to Church teaching,” Doerfler wrote. “There is much confusion about the meaning and purpose of marriage and sexuality. We lack charity and we do not serve people if we foster confusion or lack clarity in our teaching and pastoral practice. Thus, blessings of people who are seeking help from God and who are in irregular situations should be given privately.”